Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Texas?

This question is about Texas Landlord Tenant Rights

In Texas, there is no state statute that mandates a specific notice period (like 24 hours) for a landlord to enter a rental unit. Instead, the lease agreement is the primary legal authority governing access.

Notice Requirements

Because Texas law is silent on notice, the rules depend entirely on your contract:

  • Lease Terms: Most Texas leases (including the standard TAA lease) specify the reasons a landlord may enter. If the lease doesn’t require notice, the landlord technically doesn’t have to give any, though 24 hours is the standard professional courtesy.

  • After-Entry Notice: If the landlord enters when you are not home, most standard leases require them to leave a written note stating they were there and why.

When Permission is NOT Required

Under the Texas Property Code (§ 92.0081) and common lease terms, a landlord can enter without immediate consent for:

  • Emergencies: Immediate entry is allowed for fires, flooding, or gas leaks.

  • Repairs & Maintenance: To perform requested repairs or routine maintenance as outlined in the lease.

  • Inspections & Showings: To show the property to prospective tenants, buyers, or inspectors.

  • Lock Changes (Non-payment of Rent): Unique to Texas, a landlord may change the locks if a tenant is behind on rent—but only if the lease allows it. They must provide advance notice and must provide the tenant with a new key upon request, even if the rent remains unpaid. This is not an eviction, but a “tactic” to force communication.

Questions? To chat with a landlord tenant attorney, Click here

The information for this answer was found on our Texas Landlord Tenant Rights answers.